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Once again, it was Wolf Creek National Fish Hatchery's turn to host the much-anticipated annual Kentucky Junior Duck Stamp contest! This event highlights the creativity of students in Kentucky and the importance of waterfowl conservation.
Any K-12 student attending public, private or homeschool in the United States is invited to participate and show off their art skills. The Junior Duck Stamp (JDS) curriculum covers various content areas, so it can easily be incorporated into classrooms. After studying waterfowl anatomy and habitat, students may express their newfound knowledge by drawing, painting or sketching a picture of an eligible North American waterfowl species.
With over 730 pieces of art submitted, the judges had their work cut out for them as they narrowed the winners down to one Best of Show! After several rounds of selection and much debating, the 2026 Best of Show Artwork chosen was entered by Olivia O’Neill of St. Mary High School in Paducah, Kentucky. Her colored pencil piece, titled Woodland Wings, features a Green-winged Teal flying over treetops. Congratulations, Olivia! This piece of art will now be sent to the 2026 National Junior Duck Stamp Contest to be held on April 21, 2026 at U.S. Fish and Wildlife Headquarters in Falls Church, VA.
Although there is only one Best of Show, many students will be recognized and receive prizes for their hard work and artistic ability, with over 200 entries receiving Honorable Mention status and acknowledgements through the mail.
In addition to artwork, students are encouraged to submit a conservation message as part of the competition. The Best of Show Conservation Message was penned by Paisley Carter of Whitley City Elementary in Whitley City, Kentucky. Her message reads, “Keep the environment clean so the ducks can be seen.” Further recognition was awarded through the Marsh Masterpiece Award, sponsored by Delta Waterfowl. This honor was presented to Adelaide Perkins, also of St. Mary High School, for her artwork depicting a Green-winged Teal resting on water in a cypress swamp.
Junior Duck Stamps are produced annually by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and released each July. Stamps are available for purchase online through the U.S. Postal Service and Amplex Corporation for $5 each. Proceeds support scholarships for national contest winners, state conservation programs, and environmental education materials.
Special thanks to our judges who took time off work and out of their busy schedules to join us for this worthy cause. The 2026 judge panel included Kentucky State Senator Robin Webb, Director of Artworks Cheryl Adams, Blake Aaron of Aaron Outdoors, Dale Weddle of Kentucky Sportsman Alliance, and Jeff Adams of Ducks Unlimited. Each of these judges selected brought a unique perspective and valuable expertise whether in the art community, their love for the outdoors, or both!
The Kentucky Junior Duck Stamp Contest is made possible through the support of its sponsors: Delta Waterfowl, Friends of Wolf Creek National Fish Hatchery, Friends of Clarks River National Wildlife Refuge, and Friends of Green River National Wildlife Refuge.
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